An Impressive Robotic Hand Now has the Ability to Manipulate Objects it is Holding

Sanctuary AI’s Phoenix robot is undeniably remarkable, featuring hydraulically powered hands with exceptional dexterity. These hands have recently become even more versatile, as each can now simultaneously hold and manipulate an object.

Typically, robotic fingers are operated using cables connected to electric motors. This setup is relatively straightforward, efficient, and cost-effective, provided the hand is only tasked with specific functions.

Hydraulic Hands for the Phoenix Robot

Sanctuary AI aimed to make its Phoenix humanoid robot as versatile as possible. To achieve this, the Canadian company equipped the robot’s hands with miniature hydraulic valve actuators. Former CTO Suzanne Gildert, in an interview with Loz Blain last April, explained that hydraulic technology is the only solution that balances precision, speed, and strength.

“If you see a robot performing a highly dexterous task, like threading a needle or fastening a button, you should ask: could that same hand also lift a 50-pound suitcase? And could it move quickly enough to type on a keyboard?” she pointed out. “Typically, robots demonstrate one of these capabilities, but the ultimate hand must deliver all three. Right now, hydraulic technology is the only way to achieve that balance.”

The earlier version of the hand(s) can be seen in precise action in the video below.

In-Hand Manipulation with 21-DOF Robotic Hand

Although that footage is undoubtedly impressive, Sanctuary AI revealed last week that its 21-degree-of-freedom (DOF) robotic hand now has the capability for in-hand manipulation. In simple terms, this allows a single hand to simultaneously hold and manipulate an object.

Enhanced Dexterity for Complex Tasks

The video below demonstrates how this enhanced dexterity enables the hand to perform tasks such as flipping a gaming die and adjusting the jaw width of a wrench. This level of precision is achieved in part through a force feedback system integrated into each actuator.

“You control the hydraulic system by adjusting the line pressure of the hydraulic fluid,” explained Gildert. “If a force pushes back on the finger, it alters the control signal corresponding to that line pressure. This means you can detect forces by observing subtle changes in the pressure.”

Notably, the hydraulic valve actuators have undergone over two billion testing cycles without showing signs of wear or leakage—a frequent issue with hydraulic systems. This durability raises hopes that the enhanced functionality will help make robots like Phoenix more practical for widespread real-world applications.

“Achieving in-hand manipulation with a scalable and reliable system is a significant milestone in showcasing the versatility and potential of capable general-purpose robots,” stated James Wells, interim CEO of Sanctuary AI. “The dexterity of a robot is directly tied to the size of the market it can address for general-purpose humanoid applications.”

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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